Introduction
Minoru, Michi, Shu (Robert), and Yuka Yasui were four of nine children of Masuo and Shidzuyo Yasui, who emigrated from Japan to the U.S. in the early 1900s. Settling in Hood River, Oregon, the Yasuis developed fruit orchards and built a general store that served a thriving Japanese American community. Min Yasui was the first Japanese American to graduate from University of Oregon (UO) Law School; Michi and Shu Yasui were undergrads when the WWII removal and incarceration orders targeting Japanese Americans disrupted their education; Yuka Yasui was the first Japanese American to return to the university after the war. Min Yasui was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for challenging the constitutionality of laws that restrict citizen freedoms based on ethnicity. The Yasui family stories mirror the experiences of countless immigrant families whose educational aspirations lead them to lives of service.
Minoru, Michi, Shu (Robert), and Yuka Yasui were four of nine children of Masuo and Shidzuyo Yasui, who emigrated from Japan to the U.S. in the early 1900s. Settling in Hood River, Oregon, the Yasuis developed fruit orchards and built a general store that served a thriving Japanese American community. Min Yasui was the first Japanese American to graduate from University of Oregon (UO) Law School; Michi and Shu Yasui were undergrads when the WWII removal and incarceration orders targeting Japanese Americans disrupted their education; Yuka Yasui was the first Japanese American to return to the university after the war. Min Yasui was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for challenging the constitutionality of laws that restrict citizen freedoms based on ethnicity. The Yasui family stories mirror the experiences of countless immigrant families whose educational aspirations lead them to lives of service.
Since 1939, four generations of Yasuis have attended the University of Oregon.
The Yasui family’s story is woven into the fabric of UO’s history, marked by resilience, perseverance, and significant contributions to the academic and cultural landscape. This exhibit explores the family’s journey, from their early years in Oregon to their pivotal roles on campus.
Beginning with Minoru Yasui, who made history in 1939 as the first Japanese American to be admitted to the Oregon State Bar, and extending through the family’s continued engagement with the university, this exhibit highlights their trailblazing path amidst the challenges of World War II and the internment of Japanese Americans. Discover the stories of the Yasui family’s impact on UO, the broader community, and their enduring legacy of advocacy, education, and the pursuit of justice.